Why did Brisbane Bears change to lions?

Asked by: Andrew Frey

One of the Bears’ biggest problems was its lack of support (both on and off the field) in Melbourne, the location of most of its away matches. In mid-1996, the struggling Fitzroy Lions collapsed due to financial pressures and was seeking to merge its assets with another club.

Why did Brisbane Bears change to Brisbane Lions?

The Brisbane Lions were formed on 4 July, 1996, when the AFL approved a merger between the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Lions. The club was officially launched on 1 November 1996 and joined the national competition in 1997.

Why did Brisbane Bears merge with Fitzroy?

With mounting financial pressure from creditors, the 1996 season would be Fitzroy’s last season at the senior level. The club’s AFL operations were merged with the ten-year-old Brisbane Bears Football Club to become what is now the Brisbane Lions Football Club.

When did Fitzroy become Brisbane Lions?

In 1987, Fitzroy in acute financial difficulty decided to leave Victoria Park for Carlton’s Princes Park, their former home from 1967-68. Financial matters were so bad that the players and most of the Board voted for the club to relocate to Brisbane, as the Brisbane Lions.

When did Fitzroy Lions and Brisbane Bears merge?

4 July 1996

Thursday 4 July 1996. It was a moment never to be forgotten in AFL history. When Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears merged to form the Brisbane Lions.

How did the Brisbane Lions come to be?

The Brisbane Lions were formed on 4 July, 1996, when the AFL approved a merger between the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Lions. The club was officially launched on 1 November 1996 and joined the national competition in 1997.

Why did Western Bulldogs change their name?

In late 1996, the club changed its playing name from Footscray to the Western Bulldogs to market the club more broadly (specifically the western suburbs of Melbourne).

When did Bears change to lions?

1996

At the end of the 1996 season, the AFL helped negotiate the merger of the Brisbane Bears with the Fitzroy Lions to form the Brisbane Bears Fitzroy Football Club (BBFFC or Brisbane Lions), who participate in the AFL today. The Bears played in 220 VFL/AFL matches over ten seasons, with 70 wins, 148 losses and 2 draws.

When did West Coast join the AFL?

The West Coast Eagles are one of the most successful sporting clubs in Australian sport. Established in 1986, the Eagles compete in the Australian Football League and have won four premierships. The club has appeared in more finals campaigns than any other AFL club since 1987.

Who was Footscray going to merge with?

While the merged club was to retain the Bulldogs nickname, the other three areas which most clearly defined the club’s identity – its name, colours and home ground – would have come from Fitzroy. For this reason, the merger was seen by Footscray fans as a lopsided takeover Fitzroy.

Who owned Brisbane Bears?

A consortium headed by former actor Paul Cronin and bankrolled by entrepreneur Christopher Skase was awarded the Brisbane licence.

How many premierships have Brisbane Lions won?

three premierships

The club is based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australi Football Club and the Brisbane Bears. The Lions are one of the most successful AFL clubs of the 21st century, having appeared in four consecutive AFL Grand Finals from and winning three premierships (2001, 2002, 2003).

When did Brisbane win AFL grand final?

2001- 02

The Brisbane Lions made AFL history when the won an AFL premiership hat-trick in 2001- 02-03, confirming the ‘arrival’ of the game as a major sport in Queensland.

Who coached Brisbane Lions after Voss?

Justin Leppitsch

Justin Leppitsch was eventually appointed as the new senior coach of the Lions from 2014 onwards. Voss left the club having coached 109 games for the Lions, achieving 43 wins, 1 draw and 65 losses, for a winning percentage of 39.91%.

Who coached the Lions to their premierships?

AFL coaches